What's the difference between in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination?

So, you want to make a baby but need a little help from science: reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (commonly known as IVF) and artificial insemination (AI) have helped countless eager parents welcome a newborn. But, what is the difference between in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination when it comes to procedures? What are some of the costs associated with fertility treatments, and will insurance cover IVF or artificial insemination? Learn about how science can help you welcome a bundle of joy in this article.

What’s the difference between in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination: the basics

If you want to know probably this information can help you  to know the difference between in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination.

Artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination (or IUI) places the sperm directly into a women’s uterus to increase changes of fertilization – in other words, it’s a shorter distance to travel to reach the egg. This treatment is often recommended when the male partner has a low sperm count or mobility issues, or in cases where the fertility issue in a couple is unknown.

In vitro fertilization, which is the most popular infertility technique, eggs are surgically retrieved from the ovaries and then fertilized with sperm in a lab dish. After a few days of growth, one or more embryos are transferred into the female carrier’s uterus for (hopefully) successful implantation and pregnancy. This is the preferred option for more complex fertility issues, like blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis.

Both techniques begin with hormonal stimulation, meant to regulate the female carrier’s menstrual cycle and optimize egg production. From there, the methods diverge: in the case of artificial insemination, the female partner’s fertile window is determined first, and then a semen sample is collected from the male partner or donor. This sample gets washed in order to concentrate the sperm and then is carefully injected into the uterus via catheter.

IVF is more involved in that the hormonal stimulation allows for multiple egg production during a woman’s cycle instead of the usual single egg; these eggs are removed surgically. Once these eggs are retrieved from the uterus, they are combined with the male sperm sample and fertilized in a lab dish. Following a few days of incubation, the embryos considered most likely to thrive are placed in the uterus for implementation. 

During either of these processes, close monitoring on progress and viability is key. Some first attempts are successful but other parents must endure the procedure multiple times. Success rates depend on a number of factors, such as the age of both donors, the underlying fertility concerns and the use of other medications. According to a study by the journal Human Reproduction, the pregnancy rate for these types of treatments, after six treatments, averages around 40%.

What are some of the risk factors? Apart from physically experience cramps or light bleeding in the case of the female carrier, taking fertility medications may also increase the likelihood for multiple live births.

Getting started with infertility treatments in Spain

If you are actively trying to conceive and have not gotten pregnant during one year or more, your gynecologist may refer you to a specialist to diagnose a potential fertility issue. Infertility affects as many as 1 in 4 women worldwide; in Spain, a reported 800,000 individuals sought fertility treatments in 2021 alone – an estimated 15-17% of all live births in Spain that year.

Federal Spanish laws now allow women over the age of 18, whether single or in a same-sex or heterosexual relationship, to receive reproductive services, and for those services to be made available until up to age 50. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology states that, as a result of Spain’s advanced reproductive laws, anonymity of donors and high success rate, four in ten of all fertility treatments in Europe happen in Spain.

There are about 250 IVF clinics in Spain, and those in larger cities or more touristed areas will offer options for treatment in languages other than Spanish. Many of them offer similar services, and treatment will depend on the causes of infertility in a couple, as there could be factors that are genetic or even based on gender.

A basic fertility study will detect or rule out any factors, both male and female in the case of a heterosexual couple, that could contribute to both successful conception and carrying a healthy baby to term. Not only will specialists test for specific factors that can reduce fertility, such as irregular ovulation, the condition of the eggs in a woman’s uterine reserve, the number and mobility of sperm or even the condition of the fallopian tubes and cervix but also ask about hereditary conditions and family health.

From there, your physician will recommend a course of treatment, such as surgery on a male donor could repair blockages in the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the penis. In the case of a female, prescription drugs can be taken to increase ovulation or stimulate eggs to grow in the ovaries. Should these treatments prove ineffective, your doctor may recommend assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) – including IVF or AI but also microinjection or embryo adoption

What is the cost of ARTs?

Infertility treatments like IVF or AI carry an elevated economic burden on top of potential emotional and physical turmoil.

If you choose to pay out-of-pocket or through a clinic that does not accept your insurance policy, you can expect to pay 3,500 to 5,000€ for in vitro fertilization or 700 to 1,800€ for artificial insemination, which includes diagnosis and processing, per attempt. The price depends on whether the sperm comes from a parent or from a sperm bank; IVF is more expensive because it involves more lab work than AI; you may also have to pay for the medicine that helps stimulate ovulation. Note that costs and conditions will depend largely on the clinic you choose.

Those who have private health insurance often have myriad options for fertility testing and conception, according to the level of coverage they have chosen, and ultimately can reduce costs drastically.

Will my insurance cover IVF or AI?

While treatment is free if you adhere to Seguridad Social in Spain, your qualification for the service(s) can depend on several factors. According to the Spanish Real Decreto 1030/2006, since 2019 all women - including lesbian couples, single women and trans persons with capacity to conceive – have equal access to healthcare options, so long as a GP has signed off that the party should seek reproductive assistance. Also note that there are age limits to infertility treatments (38 years for artificial insemination with a partner; 40 years for donor eggs or sperm and for in vitro; 55 years for men).

There are two drawbacks to using Social Security to conceive: first, the wait periods tend to be longer for both testing as well as care options. Further, Social Security also limits the number of rounds of treatments – typically a maximum of three – for conception. Note that there could be further restrictions by autonomous community, as well.

Due to high wait times in the public healthcare system, many choose to become pregnant by private means or through their private insurance provider, perhaps spending additional for diagnoses and treatment, depending on the level of coverage.

Infertility treatment with Caser Expat Insurance

Yes, Caser Expat Insurance offers coverage in the Integral, Prestigio and Activa plans for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This allows you to undergo studies that will help uncover the causes of your infertility, as well as diagnose and treat your specific case. These treatment options for infertility include artificial insemination, in vitro and intra cytoplasmic sperm injection in the case of three failed attempts of IVF. All this, in addition to general medicine and ER visits, plus telehealth appointments. Remember: there is an additional cost for these treatments in addition to your monthly coverage cost.

Caser Expat Insurance offers special coverage for growing families. In addition to having their insurance policies tailored especially for expats living in Spain with professionals working in a number of languages, Caser insurances are very aware that many of them bring their families with them, or are starting them in their new life in Spain. This is why Caser offers more than one policy that covers assisted conception.

Caser doesn’t just provide economical options for your conception needs: as a policyholder, you also have access to the best fertility centers in Spain, the right to an additional hospital bed for your partner during delivery and recovery, plus adding your newborn or newly adopted child to your existing policy within 15 days means that you will not have to fill out a health questionnaire, nor will you incur pre-existing fees or mandatory coverage periods. After a successful fertility treatment, your healthcare coverage will also take care of your health, too! Don’t forget that you will need to undergo a myriad of checkups, tests and treatments to be sure that your pregnancy and delivery is as healthy as possible.

When family planning, it’s important to think about more than nursery, room colors or baby names: consider taking out insurance prior to conception to ensure optimum health for you and your baby as well as plan ahead for any unforeseen expenses in the event that you need infertility treatments.

For further reading 

Want to learn more about family planning in Spain? Check out some of my other posts on pregnancy, infertility, medical coverage and more by clicking on my author name or browsing these posts:

Family planning in Spain

Caser Maternity Insurance

Options for Contraception in Spain

You can also read more about your autonomous community’s guidelines on the Spanish Fertility Association’s comprehensive website, or download our free Guide to     the best fertility cenres in Spain bellow: